The Luna He Betrayed for His First Love

The night before our pack union, my mothers life was extinguished at the Moons Edge cliff. My Alpha fianc, Zael Stormridge, held me against his chest while his howl of grief echoed through the valley. He swore on his wolfs honor to hunt the rogue who killed her.

Three years later, I held a scroll confirming my new life force. The pack healer mentioned a compatible heart source for my dying father. Overjoyed, I shifted and ran to the healing den, only to find Zael cradling his true fated mate, Moira Faerwyn.

"Do not fear," Zael whispered to her. "The Great Moon has provided a matching heart in this den. I will command the healers to give it to your father first."

Moira whimpered softly. "But isn't that heart promised to Alpha Grimvales daughter? Aletta will be furious if she learns the truth."

Zaels voice turned to ice. "Let her be. Three years ago, we used her first pups heart and essence to save your sire. We are simply taking what is owed again. It matters not."

He stroked her hair. "And stop worrying about her mothers death. I burned the scent trails and destroyed the evidence myself. She will never link the murder to you."

The truth shattered my soul. They were the monsters who murdered my mother and my unborn pup three years ago. Now, Zael intended to steal my fathers life force to save Moiras bloodline.

I pulled out my communicator and linked with Zaels greatest rival, the Shadow Alpha.

"I wish to sever my ties with the Stormridge pack and ruin Zael and Moira. Will you assist me?"

The Alpha chuckled through the link. "You finally see clearly. I warned you that Zael was a beast in sheep's fur. You were bound to regret your choice. Are you ready to reject him and become my Luna?"

I watched the man I once loved acting so tenderly with Moira. I looked down and smiled with bitter resolve.

"I will take the marking from you, but only if you secure a new heart source for my father. If you find one this sun-cycle, I will cross the border and join your pack tomorrow."

"Give me one week. Just ensure you do not miss our meeting."

Before the link closed, I added quietly, "I have just realized I carry a new spark of life. I am one month pregnant. I will leave him and raise this wolf as my own."

The Shadow Alpha did not waver. "It is but one pup. My kingdom can provide for it."

I will rise as a True Queen of my own territory. It is time for Zael and Moira to fall into the abyss I have prepared for them.

I had felt the new life in my womb three days ago. Before coming to the healing den, I wanted Zael to run with me so I could share the news. But he rushed away, claiming pack business required his attention.

Now I knew he had run to the arms of Moira and their secret offspring.

Zaels pocket buzzed with a message from the healer. He leaned down and kissed Moiras forehead. "Wait here, my love. I must finalize the heart transfer with the elders."

As Zael walked away, Moira dropped her mask of weakness. She turned toward the shadows of the stone stairwell where I stood.

"How miserable you are," she sneered. "Three years as his Luna and you still hide in the dark like a scavenger, watching the happiness of others."

I narrowed my eyes and spoke with calm fire. "Aren't you the pathetic one? You gave him a bastard pup, yet he refuses to give you a title. As long as I draw breath, the crown of Luna Stormridge belongs to me."

My words stung her. Her face shifted with rage. "Zael has only ever loved me. You are the thief who stole my place at his side."

She stepped closer. "Zael and I were childhood mates. We promised our souls to one another. Aletta, you are nothing but an intruder."

A sharp ache pierced my chest. I reached out to steady myself, dropping my pregnancy scroll onto the stone floor. Moira snatched it up. When she saw the marking for one month of pregnancy, her eyes filled with malice.

"Aletta, I cannot believe you are carrying again. You heard Zael. Your first pup died so my father could live. But do you want to know the real secret?"

She laughed with a twisted pride. "Zael promised me that even if he mated with you, any pup he fathered would belong to me. What do you think he will do when he finds out you are pregnant again?"

I knew she wanted to break my spirit, but I no longer cared for her games. I lunged forward and struck her across the face. The blow was light, but Moira immediately wailed and collapsed onto the floor.

Her sobbing rang through the halls. "Aletta, I do not know why you hate me so. Why must you strike me and push me down the stairs?"

Tears fell perfectly down her cheeks. I opened my mouth to mock her acting, but Zaels cold growl stopped me.

He stepped into the hall, his eyes dark with fury. "Why are you here? Why must you be so cruel? Why would you attack her? Aletta, what has happened to your spirit?"

I tried to defend myself, but Moira clung to his arm, trembling. "Zael, please do not be angry with her. I must have said something wrong. If it makes her feel better, she can hit me as much as she likes."

Zael looked at her with deep devotion. "She has no right to lay a hand on you. This is her failure. I will ensure justice is served."

He reached out and gripped my shoulder with his Alpha strength. "Moira, strike her back."

I stared at him, my heart turning to stone. "I am carrying your pup, Zael. Are you certain you want her to strike me?"

I grabbed the torn scroll from the floor and shoved it at him. He did not even look at the writing. He snatched the parchment and shredded it into pieces. "What lie is this? If you commit a sin, you must face the pain of it."

Moira whispered softly, "Zael, let it go. Perhaps she is just unwell. I truly cannot bring myself to hurt her."

Zael looked at her tenderly. "Your heart is too kind and people use that against you. If you do not stand your ground now, she will never learn."

With those words, Zael took Moiras hand in his own and used it to deliver a heavy blow across my face. "Since you are too weak to do it, I will do it for you."

The force of an Alphas strength sent me spinning backward. My body slammed hard against the sharp edge of the stone stairs. Zael did not look back. He simply turned and walked away, cradling Moira in his arms.

I collapsed on the cold floor, clutching my stomach as a sharp, tearing pain took hold. Dark red blood began to pool beneath me, staining the gray stone.

"My pup..."

The world turned cold and the darkness took me.

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on a soft furs in the healing chamber. Remembering the agony before the darkness took me, I bolted upright.

A pack healer entered the room. Seeing my panicked face, she offered a small smile. "Be at peace. The pup survived. However, you must be more careful with your womb in the future."

I let out a long breath and placed a shaking hand over my belly. Because of Zael, I had already lost one pup to the Great Moon. This time, I would guard this life with my own.

After leaving the healers, I shifted into my wolf form and ran straight to the Great Hall of Records. Since I had chosen to leave his territory, I needed to finalize the severing of our bond immediately.

I handed my scrolls to the elder in charge. He looked at the symbols for a moment, then looked up at me with confusion. "Luna, you already submitted the decree to sever this union a moon ago."

I felt my blood run cold. "That is impossible. I have not been to this hall in many seasons. How could the bond be broken?"

The elder checked the ancient ledgers again. "The records show the separation was filed a moon ago. An Alpha named Zael Stormridge brought the documents. He used his authority to sign for you."

The old wolf hesitated. "The records already show his fated Luna is another woman named Moira. Do you know of her?"

My mind went numb. The stone walls seemed to spin and a loud ringing filled my ears.

One moon ago, it was the night of my birth-moon celebration. Zael had given me a chest of gold to spend as I pleased and promised to hunt with me after his duties were done. But while I was walking through the forest, a group of rogue wolves ambushed me and dragged me into the thicket.

I tried to reach Zael through our mind-link over and over, but he blocked my voice every time. If a wandering sentinel had not found me, I would have been torn apart.

Later, Zael calmed my fears. He told me he was in a deep council meeting and had closed his mind to all distractions. I believed his lies.

Now the truth was clear. He had discarded me on the night of my birth-moon and given Moira his protection and his name.

That was exactly what I wanted now. After leaving the Great Hall, I walked through the pack lands to clear my thoughts. Suddenly, a violent storm broke. Thunder shook the earth and heavy rain lashed down.

The wind was so fierce that I could not catch a scent trail. My cloak was shredded by the gale and I walked alone through the freezing rain. My tears were lost in the storm as they hit the muddy ground.

By the time I reached the Alphas villa, I was shivering and soaked to the bone. I pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The warmth of the hearth wrapped around me and I heard Zaels gentle voice from the den.

"It is a bitter night. Drink this warm tonic so your spirit stays strong against the cold."

For a heartbeat, my soul stirred. But then I saw Moira and her pup, Aelin. Zael was not speaking to me. He was caring for them.

When he saw me standing broken at the entrance, a flicker of guilt crossed his face. "Aelin has a weak heart. If her life fades, I must be near to use my Alpha strength. Moira is living here now to tend to the pup."

I let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Strength? Do you believe your power is greater than the Moons healing? If the pup is dying, she should be with the healers. Are you mad to keep her here?"

Zaels face twisted into a snarl. "Mind your tongue. This is my den. If you challenge my word, I have many ways to strip your name from these lands."

When we were first bonded, he told me he wanted me to feel safe, so he bound my name to the title of his manor. But now, for the sake of Moira, he had cast those promises into the fire.

Since that was the path he chose, I would burn every memory of our time together.

After he finished speaking, Zael led Moira and their pup upstairs without offering me a single glance. My head felt heavy from the freezing rain, so after a hot wash, I went straight to my furs.

I was not sure how long I had slept, but my throat felt as if it had been cut by a silver blade.

"Zael," I called out several times, but my voice was weak. All I could hear was the sound of someone telling a tale in the next room.

"Zael, Aelin has your spirit," Moira said with a joyful hum. "Even when she is troubled, she mimics your strength and tries to soothe me."

"Of course," Zael replied with pride in his voice. "She is of my blood. It is good that she is protective, so she can guard you even when I am away from the pack."

Even through the stone wall, I could imagine the triumphant smile on Moiras face.

Zael gently stroked Aelins hair. "Now, close your eyes. I will tell you and your mother a legend of the ancient stars."

After the sounds of settling, Zaels soft voice drifted through. "In a land before time, there lived a Great King and a Moon Queen."

Staring at the dark ceiling, I could only manage a bitter smile. Zael and I had been bonded for three years, but he and Moira looked like the true Alpha and Luna, sharing sweet dreams with their three-year old pup.

I tried to sit up to reach my water basin, but I accidentally knocked over a crystal frame on the side table. The glass shattered and the image of Zael and me was torn.

I climbed out of bed to gather the pieces, but the room was too dark and I stepped onto a sharp shard. Fighting the sting, I limped to the wall torch, cleaned the mess and poured my water.

The whole time, the sound of Zaels gentle storytelling continued from the room next door.

As I bandaged my foot and crawled back into bed, a memory hit me. Long ago, I had been caught in a light spring rain, yet Zael had canceled all pack meetings to stay by my side for a week, terrified I might catch a chill.

Back then, he had whispered, "Aletta, do not fear, I am here with you. Because you are suffering, my own heart hurts more than yours."

But now, after I had walked through a freezing storm to reach my home, he gave the warm tonic to Moira instead. As soon as I closed my eyes, silent tears fell onto my pillow.

The next morning, loud laughter from the great hall woke me. I opened the chamber door and saw Moira chatting happily with Zaels mother, Elowen.

Before I could speak, Moira spotted me. She gave me a smug look, then spoke sweetly to my mother-in-law. "Great Mother, do not worry. Zael is only letting us stay in the villa for a few sun-cycles because of Aelins heart. Once the healing is done, we will depart. I do not want Aletta to be angry."

Elowen held Aelin in her arms and said coldly, "Why should she be angry? She has been bonded for three years and has produced no heirs. Our little Aelin is the pride of the pack. Call me Grandmother."

Aelin looked up and chirped, "Grandmother."

"Ah!" Elowens face beamed with delight. She patted Moiras hand. "Moira, one daughter is not enough for our lineage. Once you give Zael a son, I will see to it that he makes you his official Luna!"

Moiras face turned red at once. For a moment, I felt a wave of sickness wash over me.

Just as I turned to retreat into my room, I heard Elowen snap, "Stay right there!"

In the next heartbeat, two pack sentinels appeared and gripped my wrists, holding me fast.

"Time has passed and you have grown disrespectful! You do not even come down to serve me tea? You two, drag her down here."

Right after she spoke, the men grabbed my arms and forced me down from the second floor. I struggled against them, but their wolf strength was too much.

Seeing me humbled, my mother-in-law said with a haughty air, "Go and prepare me a cup of tea with water heated to exactly 99 degrees."

I stood perfectly still, acting as if I had not heard her.

Seeing this, Moira spoke up softly, "Great Mother, let me do it. I am used to performing such humble tasks."

Elowen took Moiras hand and said, "You are the future Luna of the Stormridge Pack. How could you do such servant work? Let her do it."

I watched them play their roles. Moira tried to walk away, but my cold stare made her falter. She looked annoyed.

"What use is she to us? She cannot provide pups and now she refuses to serve. You two, lock her in the cellar. I do not wish to see her face!"

The two sentinels gripped my shoulders, moving to take me away. Just then, Zael stepped out of the study, his brow furrowed in a frown.

"Mother, that is enough!"

Zael glared at his mother with fire in his eyes. "Enough! Aletta is my bonded mate. How can you speak of locking her away like a common rogue?"

His mother stared at him with wide eyes. "Zael, are you truly defending this outsider over your own blood? Am I wrong? You and Aletta have been mated for three seasons and she has given the pack no heirs. Even a common bird can hatch an egg, yet she is more useless than a hen!"

Zael shouted back, "That is because..."

He stopped himself, but I knew the rest. I knew it was because he and Moira had sacrificed my pup.

"No matter the reason, you will not treat her this way."

He walked toward me and tried to take my hand. I pulled back from his touch. "Since you desire a female who can produce a litter so easily, you should have marked one from the beginning!"

I turned my back on Elowen and headed back up to the chambers. Zael hesitated, then moved to follow me. Just as his foot hit the first step, Aelin let out a sharp cry of agony.

Moira quickly pulled the pup into her embrace, her face pale with terror. "Aelin, what is wrong? Is your heart failing again?"

"Zael, I think Alettas anger has frightened her. Please, come and check her pulse!"

Zael turned instantly and ran to them, his eyes filled with fear as he looked at the pup. He reached for his communication stone to summon the pack healer.

Moira looked up with fake concern. "But if you do not follow Aletta, will she not be furious?"

Zael growled softly. "She spoke to my mother with such disrespect. What right does she have to be angry? Ignore her."

I had seen it with my own eyes from the shadows of the stairs. When Zael turned to chase me, Moira had secretly pinched the pups arm. The cry was not from a failing heart. But even if I screamed the truth, he would never believe my words over her tears.

Standing on the landing, I saw the deep love in Zaels eyes as he looked at Aelin. Back in our bedroom, I closed the door and began to throw away every gift and token related to him. He had already destroyed every memory of our three years together. I no longer wanted a male like him.

Just as I finished clearing the shelves, Zael pushed open the door. Seeing the empty room, he looked confused. "Aletta, what happened to your belongings?"

I shook my head, my voice flat. "Nothing. Just things that no longer have value."

Zael did not seem to care about my pain. He simply nodded. "Go down to the hall and apologize to my mother. I have prepared the tea myself. You only need to present it to her."

Without waiting for an answer, he led me downstairs and pushed me toward the table. I looked at the steaming cup and, despite the burning heat, I picked it up.

As I reached toward my mother in-law, Moira stepped in my way.

"Aletta, please, let me handle this task for you."

Moira looked at me with a triumphant grin, though she acted as if she were being helpful. I felt a surge of rage. "Get away from me!"

As her hand reached for the cup, I swung my arm to push her back. But she gripped the ceramic tight and fought me for it. The cup shattered on the floor and Moira let out a piercing scream.

"Zael, my arm is burned!"

Her eyes filled with tears instantly as she showed him her trembling arm. Even though there was not a single red mark on her skin, Zaels eyes burned with fury and protectiveness.

"Aletta, you have crossed the line! Moira was only trying to assist you and you attacked her!"

His voice shook the room and then he raised his hand and struck me across the face.

Seeing my fall, Elowen laughed with joy. "Zael, I warned you this woman should be caged. Otherwise, she would bring shame and harm to this house. Now look at the truth!"

She pointed to the same two sentinels. "You two, lock her away! Do not let her harm my daughter in law again."

The men grabbed my arms and began to drag me toward the dark storage cellar beneath the house. This time, Zael said nothing to protect me.

Looking at him with a heart full of disbelief, I whispered, "Zael, you know I fear the darkness. Are you truly letting her imprison me there?"

He hesitated for a heartbeat, then looked at me with cold eyes. "You should not have struck Moira. You know how much she means to my soul. Aletta, this is a small lesson to keep you from doing something worse."

The heavy wooden door slammed shut and the cellar went pitch black. I pounded on the wood in a panic and screamed, "Zael, let me out!"

One breath passed. Then another. Then a third. Everything remained silent.

I stumbled back and curled into a corner, feeling completely alone. With my head buried in my knees, I remembered the night Zael found out I feared the dark and how he promised he would never leave me alone in the shadows again.

But this time, he knew my fear. And still, for the sake of Moira, he locked me away. As the tears fell, the bond in my heart finally snapped.

When I opened my eyes, I was back on the soft furs of my own bed. Turning my head, I saw Zael resting beside me.

Noticing I was awake, he opened his eyes and pulled me into his embrace. His voice was thick with guilt. "Aletta, you have returned to us. Do you wish to rest for a few more hours?"

Feeling the warmth of his chest, a sharp pain pierced my heart and I pushed him away.

"Zael, why do you continue this play?"

He went still for a moment, then whispered, "I am sorry. I believed Mother was only trying to frighten you. I did not think those two sentinels would truly lock you in the stone cellar."

"Mother went too far this time, but you must remember that you were the one who harmed Moira."

Even now, he was weaving excuses. I looked down and let out a cold, hollow laugh. "If you had not given the command, would they have ever dared to imprison your Luna?"

I paused, then added, "Since your mother already treats Moira like the true Luna of this pack, why do I not simply leave? Then you and Moira can be together and your mother will not have to suffer the sight of me."

With those words, I stood up to walk away.

Zael quickly lunged forward and pulled me into a tight hug, his voice trembling. "Aletta, after three years of being bonded, I will never let you go."

"Are you still pained because of Moira? I will tell her to leave the territory. I will not look upon her face again."

Such words might have fooled a young wolf, but I would not fall for his lies again.

I shoved him off me. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Moira suddenly threw open the chamber door.

She froze, her eyes wide with shock. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she looked at Zael.

"There is no need to exile me. I will take Aelin and leave these lands right now."

With that, she turned and fled. Zael looked panicked and leaped from the bed to chase after her, not even sparing me a second glance.

Watching him run down the stone hallway, I could not help but follow.

Moira stood on the high balcony of the second floor, looking down at the deep water of the stone pool below. Her eyes were red with false grief as she gazed at Zael.

"Zael, if even you do not want me anymore, I shall simply return my soul to the Moon. I know you and Aletta are the true mates, but I cannot stop the jealousy in my heart."

"Please protect Aelin after I am gone. And do not try to stop my fall."

She moved toward the edge of the railing.

Zael rushed forward and pulled Moira into a fierce embrace, his eyes full of agony.

"I am sorry. It was my failing. I should never have said those things. The one I truly love is you. We still have our pup. If you jump, what will become of her? What will become of me?"

He looked at Moira with deep devotion. Watching their little drama unfold, I stepped out from the shadows and slowly clapped my hands.

The moment Zael saw me, his face turned to stone.

He opened his mouth, then finally said with great effort, "Aletta, I will explain everything tonight, do you understand?"

I shook my head and looked at him with a calm heart. "No need, Zael. I will depart on my own soon. I will no longer stand in the way of your great love."

I turned to walk away, but Zael reached out to seize me.

Before he could touch me, Moira stepped between us.

"Aletta, please do not leave Zael because of my presence. This is all my fault. I should not have brought the pup here and I should not have grown so close to your mate. I am the one who must go."

Seeing Moiras fake sorrow made me feel physically ill.

I said coldly, "Are you finished? if you are, then move out of my path."

But instead of stepping aside, Moira grabbed my arm. "Aletta, you and Zael must remain well. That way, my heart will be at peace even if I leave the pack..."

I gave her a mocking smile and pulled my arm free from her grasp.

But in the next heartbeat, Moira screamed, threw up her arm and fell backward toward the edge.

Zael, looking terrified, pushed me aside with all his strength and rushed to catch her.

He held her tightly by the waist, his voice full of relief. "Thank the Moon you are safe. I would have never forgiven myself if something happened to you."

But he did not see that his push had sent me over the edge. I fell from the second floor balcony and crashed into the cold water of the pool below.

The freezing water of the pool rushed into my nose and lungs, choking me instantly. I flailed my arms against the surface and shouted toward the balcony above.

"Zael! Help me!"

I saw Zael rush down the stone stairs in a panic, but he stopped at the very edge of the water. Instead of reaching for me, he pulled Moira into his arms.

"You have suffered enough because of Aletta. Now it is her turn to be taught a lesson by the spirits."

He looked down at me as I struggled. My eyes were full of despair, but he did not move a muscle. I stared at him in shock as my heart sank deeper than my body. Soon, everything went dark as I grew weaker from the lack of air.

Right before I lost consciousness, Zael finally shed his heavy coat, jumped in and pulled me onto the stone. His eyes were like ice. "Aletta, this is just a small warning. If you ever strike Moira again, I do not know what my wolf will do to you."

When I woke up, the sound of loud arguing from the great hall pulled me back to the world. I opened the chamber door and saw Zael and Moira in a heated clash. Moira held a travel bag in one hand and gripped Aelins arm with the other, pretending to be on the verge of tears.

"Zael, let go of me. Instead of waiting for Aletta to exile us from the pack, I would rather take our pup and leave this territory now."

With those words, she shook off Zaels hand and turned toward the door. Zaels eyes were full of pity and agony. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Moiras waist.

"No, as long as I am the Alpha here, no one will dare chase you away. You and Aelin can stay in this den forever. What happened yesterday was Alettas failure. I have already punished her. She will not touch you again."

I slowly walked down the stairs, glaring at Moira with a cold smile.

"If you truly wanted to leave these lands, you would not have waited until today. You should have fled last night while Zael was deep in sleep."

Seeing Zael hesitate at my words, Moira bit her lip and suddenly dropped to her knees on the cold floor.

"Aletta, all of this is my fault. I should not have come between you and your mate. If you two can find peace, I will go."

She stood up and opened the heavy villa door. She was about to walk out when Zael grabbed her arm and roared, "Enough!"

He turned to me, his eyes burning with rage. "Aletta, do you not think this pack is chaotic enough? Moira has never done anything to harm your soul, so why do you keep hunting her?"

His voice was thick with disappointment. "Aletta, we have been bonded for three years. When did you become such a jealous creature? I barely recognize the wolf you have become."

I lowered my head and sneered, stepping closer to him. "You do not recognize me because your heart was never mine to hold. All you care about is Moira."

"Since you have chosen to let her stay in my home, I will go."

Everything in the villa was covered in Zaels scent. I did not want any of it anymore, so I left every possession behind. As I stepped out into the air, Zaels angry voice followed me.

"Aletta, there is a limit to my patience. If you walk out of these gates today, do not bother returning to this pack!"

I did not turn around. I simply whispered to myself that I would never come back. After leaving the villa, I took out my crystal communicator and sent a message to the Shadow Alpha.

[When will the heart source be found?]

The reply came quickly. [We have news. Just wait two more days.]

In two days, I would be able to leave this territory for good.

The following night, I arrived at the Great Hall in my ceremonial robes. This feast was held to celebrate the coming of age for the Alpha Wildbriar's eldest daughter. It was a promise made moons ago, so I was bound by honor to attend. I sat in a quiet corner of the hall, sipping my tonic.

As I expected, it was not long before Zael and Moira made their entrance. Moira clung to Zaels arm, wearing a humble smile. The guests from other packs believed Moira was his true Luna and began to shower them with praise.

"Zael and his mate share such a beautiful bond! We are truly envious."

Zael smiled softly, accepting every compliment as if they were truly the destined pair. Unable to watch them any longer, I took my goblet and stepped onto the stone balcony for some fresh air. My drink was finished and just as I moved to go back inside, Moira stepped beside me.

"Aletta, you have already been defeated. Zaels soul belongs to me now. Can you really leave Aelin without a father?"

I gave her a cold, hard smile. "What is your true intent?"

"I want you to leave this kingdom now. I want the title of Luna Stormridge."

I nodded slowly. "Do not worry, I will depart. I gave up on Zael many suns ago."

I turned to walk away, but Moira seized my arm. Before I could ask what she was doing, someone came up behind me and pressed a cloth soaked in sleeping herbs over my nose. Just before the darkness took me, I saw Moiras mocking grin.

"But I do not trust your word."

When my eyes opened, I found myself bound to a wooden chair, unable to move my limbs. Beside me sat Moira, also tied with ropes. She looked at me with a smug expression. "Aletta, if Zael knew we were both taken by rogues and he could only rescue one, who do you think his wolf would choose?"

I stared at her in shock. "This was your plan?"

She laughed loudly. "What if it was? I only want Zael for myself. Is that a crime?"

I was about to answer when a scout rushed in and spoke to the rogue leader. "Boss, the Alpha Zael is here."

Moments later, two men in dark armor stood behind us, each holding a silver blade. As Zael walked into the chamber, my heart hammered against my ribs. The leader smirked at him.

"Zael, you are a lucky male. Two beautiful females, but the law of the rogue says you can only take one. Choose now, or both will be sacrificed to the moon."

"Three..."

"Two..."

Before the rogue reached one, Zael suddenly raised his hand and pointed at Moira. "Her. Release her."

The rogue grinned. "Zael does not hesitate. Very well, let us deal with the other one."

He signaled someone to cut my ropes. But immediately after I was free, he shoved me violently to the floor. In seconds, heavy blows began to strike me from all sides. I curled into a ball, holding my stomach to protect my pup.

Then, a rogue kicked me hard in the womb. The man laughed when he saw my agony. "Zael, you should leave this place now. If I change my mind and decide not to let her live, it will not end well for you."

Through the gaps in the crowd, I looked at Zael and begged with my last bit of strength. "Please... save me... save our pup..."

But Zael acted as if my voice was nothing but wind. He took Moiras hand and walked out of the den without looking back.

Tears rolled down my face and hit the dusty stone. I clutched my stomach, feeling the tiny life force inside me begin to fade and slip away.

I closed my eyes, consumed by pain and the end of all hope.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a bed in the healers' sanctuary. The high priestess entered with a look of deep sorrow. "Forgive me... the pups spirit has returned to the Moon."

Tears flooded my eyes before I could find my voice. Because of Moira and Zael, my pup had been stolen from me once again.

Outside in the corridor, I heard the young apprentices whispering.

"Have you heard? The Alphas mate scratched her skin with a silk rope and he has cleared the entire sanctuary wing for her comfort."

"Which Alpha?"

"Who else but Zael Stormridge, Alpha of the Stormridge territories. I wish I had a mate who loved me with such devotion."

From the moment the rogues took me to the moment my baby died, Zael had not sent a single mental link or message. But because Moira had a tiny scratch, he claimed an entire temple floor for her.

I smiled with a bitter heart as more tears fell. It was clear now that love and hate cannot be hidden.

The communication stone on the table glowed and I answered the call.

"We have secured the heart source for your sire. Can you cross the border now?"

I nodded toward the stone. "I have already prepared my passage."

Just then, Zael stepped into the chamber. "What passage? Where do you intend to go?"

I did not look at him and spoke with a flat voice. "I was helping a pack friend. His travel papers were not accepted."

He nodded and placed a bouquet of white lilies on the table. Those were Moiras favorite blooms, not mine.

"I am sorry for the events at the rogue camp. Things moved quickly and I had to make a choice."

I looked at him with eyes like flint. "So your choice was Moira? You abandoned your bonded mate of three years to those monsters?"

He opened his mouth to defend himself, but his stone buzzed in his tunic. It was a link from Moira. I did not hear her words, but his expression shifted instantly to anger.

"Did I not choose Moira because you staged the entire kidnapping? Aletta, are you not just playing these games to get my attention? Have you even considered how much pain this is causing Moira?"

"She requires my strength right now. Tend to yourself."

He slammed the heavy wooden door and walked away without looking back. So Moira had convinced him that I had planned my own suffering. His trust in her was absolute.

My stone glowed twice. It was a command from Zael.

[Come to the eighth level of the sanctuary and beg for Moiras forgiveness this instant, or I shall never forgive you!]

I let out a cold laugh and severed our connection. What Moira did not realize was that I had activated a recording spell the moment she approached me at the feast. Every word she spoke was captured by the magic.

Before I departed, I placed the recording crystal and the healers report of my lost pup on the table. Then I walked away without a single glance behind me, taking my father into the safety of the new kingdom.